Posts Tagged ‘christmas’

The pretty lights, fancy decorations, anticipation of Santa visiting and excitement of Christmas Day morning all make this a truly magical time of year for children. However, even when you’re all grown up it doesn’t mean that the fun of Christmas has to go. With so much to see and do in London at this time, it’s bound to bring out the festive spirit in anyone.

Every year Hyde Park plays host to one of the most spectacular Christmas events in the UK. Perfect for all ages, Winter Wonderland is the place to find all things merry and joyful. With markets, an ice rink, shows, attractions, activities, rides and plenty of food to go around, this is a day out that will be remembered forever. Visitors can even take a trip to Santa Land where they can tour the workshop, talk to the elves, ride the Santa Express and of course meet the man himself.

If you find yourself near Covent Garden on a Saturday why not head to the Piazza for a spot of Reindeer petting? Alternatively, up until Christmas Eve London Zoo will have their very own Reindeer Lodge. Santa’s furry friends will be taking a daily walk around the zoo and visitors will even be able to pet them while they are in their enclosure.

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a trip to Santa’s Grotto and Kew Gardens is one of the top places to do this according to critics. With the chance to meet Santa, ride a carousel, get their face painted, go on mini vintage car rides and take seasonal walks, there is lots to keep the young ones happy.

Of course there is plenty of festive entertainment around London for adults too. With comedy shows, gigs, cabaret and Christmas markets aplenty, even the biggest scrooge would find it hard not to feel merry at this special time of year.

Each year Winter Wonderland attracts more than a million visitors to Hyde Park. Hyde Park Winter Wonderland can be enjoyed by everyone â€“ it is absolutely FREE to enter Hyde Park and visit Santa Land. Experience the wonderment of the festive season with an array of magical activities, rides and attractions to explore! Whether youâ€™re a thrill-seeker or enjoy the more tranquil experiences â€“ there is something for all.

Soar 60 meters into the London sky in the comfort of enclosed pods and experience spectacular views. See the famous Zippos Christmas Circus, in an awe-inspiring extravaganza for the whole family or skate on the Samsung Galaxy Ice Rink. Winter Wonderland would not be complete without rides like the famous Power Tower, the Snow Jet and the Winter Wonderland Express!

The opening times including Boxing Day and New Yearâ€™s Eve are 10am until 10pm, from 19 November 2011 to 3 January 2012. (Christmas Day the event is closed).

A special Christmas shopping evening at the Queenâ€™s Gallery Shop, Buckingham Palace – Thursday 8 December

Christmas Shopping at Buckingham Palace

For one evening only!Â The Queenâ€™s Gallery Shop at Buckingham Palace is offering free entry and 20% discountÂ on a wide range of exquisitely designed exclusive gifts for the whole family this Christmas. From luxury foods, wine, and ceramics (including a specially commissioned bone china service commemorating The Queenâ€™s Diamond Jubilee, 2012), to beautifully crafted jewellery and childrenâ€™s gifts â€“ these gifts are only available from this shop and you can buy them with 20% discount for this evening only!

FREE ENTRY TO EXHIBITION!

To coincide with this special evening the Royal Collection you can see the exhibition,Â The Heart of the Great Alone: Scott, Shackleton and Antarctic Photography marking the centenary of Captain Scottâ€™s expedition to the South Pole.

With Christmas quickly approaching, there is no doubt that everybody is starting to feel festive and in the mood to start celebrating. Towns and cities across the UK make a big effort every year to make sure that they have an impressive display of lights and decorations to bring a bit of festive cheer to the thousands of people out doing their Christmas shopping.

The London Christmas lights are amongst the most famous in the world and attract massive crowds every year during the holiday season. Whilst some have already been turned on, there are still plenty of places to go throughout November to see the special occasion taking place.

Oxford Street, St Christopher’s Place and Westfield Stratford City have already turned their lights on but they can still be enjoyed until the 5th January 2012. All of them boast a colourful array of lights which decorate the streets and shopping centres and some even have a grotto where young children can go and visit Santa.

Visitors to the brand new Westfield shopping centre can even go ice skating on one of the newest rinks to arrive in London for Christmas 2011.Â Alternatively, St Christopher’s Place is known for having some of the most beautiful collection of lights and this year is no exception. Having been created by James Glancy Design, they include giant, reflective spheres which have been suspended above the streets and provide a magical experience for Christmas shoppers from all over the world.

The Balham Christmas lights are due to be turned on by the Mayor of Wandsworth on the 26th November 2011. The event will take place between 4 and 5pm on Hildreth Street and there will be plenty of seasonal refreshments available, entertainment for children and Christmas Carols which will be performed by the Balham Ukulele Society, Chestnut Grove Steel Band and the South London Choir.

The 30th November will see the Christmas lights being turned on in Greenwhich. Between 4pm and 7pm at Greenwich Market, visitors can enjoy a lantern procession, Santa’s Grotto and the famous Christmas market which will be full of festive foods, drinks and gifts to buy for friends and family.

There is going to be a very special event taking place on Motcomb Street in Belgravia on the 1st December 2011 because it will be the very first switching on of the Christmas lights here. From 6pm until 8:30pm, visitors will be treated to a host of live acts who will be entertaining the crowds with traditional carols and live music.

Going to see the London Christmas lights is a truly special occasion and is bound to fill everyone with festive cheer during the cold winter months. Click here to find out more information about events taking place and where some of the best and most impressive displays can be seen.